Alsace: The Place

Just what makes these wines so special? Stretched along France's eastern border and on the west bank of the Rhine adjacent to Germany and Switzerland, Alsace has all the right elements for great winemaking. Situated at the foothills of the Vosges Mountains, the region has one of the lowest rainfalls in France, with warm and sunny weather from summer through the early fall, and cold, snowy winters that call for cozying up to a roaring fire with a hearty helping of choucroute garnie and a bottle of Riesling.

Besides Alsace's prime location and abundant sun exposure, it's all about the precious soil, which is a mineral-rich blend of granite, limestone, schist and sandstone - a diversity that has no equivalent anywhere in France. The combination of elements contributes to the slow, steady ripening of the grapes, resulting in wines that are practically fetishized for their structured, complex aromas and flavors. For more detailed information on the geography of Alsace, visit www.AlsaceWine.com.

The Alsatians are no rookies when it comes to wine. In fact, the history of winemaking here dates back two thousand years. By the end of the first millennium, 160 villages in Alsace were already growing vines. In 1962, centuries of winemaking expertise were rewarded when Alsace was granted AOC status. Alsace Grand Cru wines received AOC status in 1975, and AOC Crémant d’Alsace followed in 1976. Today, the wines are universally recognized as among the best in the world.